Ruthless Magic

Conspiracy of Magic Series, Book 1

By: Megan Crewe

Narrated by: Jennifer Jill Araya, Austin Rising

In the contest to keep their magic, the only options may be die...or kill.

Each year, the North American Confederation of Mages assesses every 16-year-old novice. Some will be chosen. The rest must undergo a procedure to destroy their magical ability unless they prove themselves in the mysterious and brutal Mages' Exam.

Disadvantaged by her parents' low standing, Rocio Lopez has dedicated herself to expanding her considerable talent to earn a place in the Confederation. Their rejection leaves her reeling - and determined to fight to keep her magic.

Long ashamed of his mediocre abilities, Finn Lockwood knows the Confederation accepted him only because of his prominent family. Declaring for the Exam instead means a chance to confirm his true worth.

Thrown into the testing with little preparation, Rocio and Finn find themselves becoming unlikely allies - and possibly more. But the Exam holds secrets more horrifying than either could have imagined. What are the examiners really testing them for? And as the trials become increasingly vicious, how much are they willing to sacrifice to win?

Contains mature themes.

©2018 Megan Crewe (P)2019 Tantor

Fight for what's right!

So many of the reviews I've seen have mentioned The Hunger Games, as in you're gonna like it or not... because  of blah-d-blah. Well, since I haven't  seen, nor read Hunger Games, I feel like I've come to this series with completely fresh eyes... Sure, there's an iconic, gladiatorialy like melee in an arena at the end... but I loved every single minute of it!
Jennifer Jill Araya narrated the protagonist's (Rocío Lopez) POV and she did some awesome work portraying this kickass character! Austin Rising, although he did a fine job as Finn Lockwood, and is good voice actor, just didn't shine quite as brightly as JJA (and honestly,  there's Very, very few who could!)... But,no matter, it didn't deter me from enjoying this book! And I definitely want to follow these two characters as they work at trying to fix this severely damaged social system!
You could grab this audiobook because you enjoyed Hunger Games... but really, you'll want to grab it if you enjoy strong, well written protagonists, who are willing to fight for what's right!